Abstract
Although physical factors are accepted as risks in the development of work related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs), psychosocial factors may explain some of the remaining differences in susceptibility to WMSDs. The following study examined the effects of two psychosocial factors, mental workload and time pressure, on typing performance, perceived workload, and key strike force while typing. The majority of the key strike force measures increased with increases in time pressure and mental workload. Perceived overall workload (as measured using SWAT) increased with mental workload and time pressure, and typing performance decreased. Additionally, gender, locus of control, and perceived stress level did not influence outcomes. Physical risk factors may be mediated by psychosocial factors to increase risk for WMSD development in the upper extremities. Therefore, both physical and psychosocial aspects of work environments should be considered when designing jobs and work tasks to prevent injuries and improve productivity.
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